Newly minted Grammy-winner Cory Henry achieved that milestone by returning to his roots. Namely, his church roots. The artist—best known for teaming with big bands like the serious jazz cats of Snarky Puppy and big names like Rosalía, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen—nabbed the prestigious statue for his 2024 Roots Gospel album Church. In his KCRW Guest DJ set, Henry tells us that the inspiration for his latest LP came from his mama, who taught him his first song (“Amazing Grace”) when he was two or three years old. Henry’s mom shared both a traditional version of the hymn, and her own arrangement done in a Calypso-jazz style. It makes all the sense in the world that Henry has gone on to enjoy such an expansive, genre-defying, and heavily collaborative career… And that he now finds himself in a place where he’s most creatively fulfilled by leaning into the Gospel music traditions that shaped his youth.

And leaning into Gospel has proven so creatively fulfilling for Henry that he's made a monthly event of it. Cory Henry Presents: Church is a soulful live music experience celebrating his Grammy-winning album of the same name and the music that inspired it, with a 30-person community choir. The next event in the series is this Sunday, July 27 at The Miracle Theater in Inglewood. We’re told that there will be soul food (in addition to all of the soul-stirring tunes). Enter by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 24 for your chance to win a pair of tickets.

Click that player button on this page for a thoroughly uplifting chat, and scroll on to view the tunes.

Cory Henry’s KCRW Guest Selects:

“Yesterday” – The Beatles

“Stand” – Sly & The Family Stone

“I Thought It Was You” – Herbie Hancock

“Loves In Need Of Love Today” – Stevie Wonder

“Be Grateful” – Walter Hawkins